LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) has announced Paul Bleakley, Ph.D., will be appointed as Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, adding a dynamic and experienced voice to its Criminal Justice program.
Originally from Australia, Bleakley was born and raised in the Gold Coast before launching an international career that has spanned journalism, education, and academic research.
“Dr. Bleakley brings a global perspective to the field of criminal justice, with a blend of academic expertise and real-world experience. His interdisciplinary background and commitment to advancing criminal justice will be an asset to our program and our students,” Dr. Jackie Duron, CoSW Associate Dean for Faculty Advancement, said.
Bleakley began his professional journey as a journalist, serving as a news editor in the United Kingdom and later as a television producer for a major news network in Australia. His reporting spanned politics, entertainment, and global affairs, with a special emphasis on crime reporting, an interest that ultimately inspired a career transition into academia.
After earning a Ph.D. in criminology from the University of New England, Bleakley began teaching at Middlesex University in London, where he also served as program director for the undergraduate criminology program. Most recently, Bleakley was an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at the University of New Haven, where he was named a University Research Scholar.
Bleakley earned a Bachelor of Journalism and Graduate Diploma in Education from Griffith University (Australia), along with a Master of History and a Master of English from the University of New England in Australia. Additionally, Bleakley holds a Master of Policing, Intelligence and Counter-terrorism from Macquarie University in Sydney. Bleakley’s doctoral research focused on police corruption and its impact on marginalized populations in Queensland, Australia.
A Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in the UK, Bleakley also serves as the current Chair of the American Society of Criminology’s Division of Historical Criminology, further contributing to the advancement of the field through leadership and service.
Outside the classroom, Bleakley visited over 200 craft breweries across eight countries and stayed overnight at a wombat rescue sanctuary in Tasmania. An avid reality television fan, Bleakley proudly claims expertise in all things Bravo, especially The Real Housewives franchises.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to join UK’s criminal justice program at this exciting time in its growth,” said Bleakley. “I look forward to helping to build it into one of the best in the country.”
